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Complications
By Mayo Clinic staffComplications arising from optic neuritis may include:
- Optic nerve damage. Most people have some permanent optic nerve damage following an episode of optic neuritis, but they may not experience any symptoms.
- Decreased visual acuity. Vision loss may persist after optic neuritis has improved. Up to 10 percent of people with a history of optic neuritis have some degree of long-term vision loss.
- Side effects of treatment. Steroid medications used to treat optic neuritis subdue your immune system, which causes your body to become more susceptible to infections. Long-term use of steroids may also cause thinning of your bones (osteoporosis).
References
- Germann CA, et al. Ophthalmic diagnoses in the ED: Optic neuritis. American Journal of Emergency Medicine. 2007;25:834.
- Asturias EJ, et al. Postinfectious and vaccine-related encephalitis. In: Cohen J, et al. Cohen & Powderly: Infectious Diseases. 2nd ed. St. Louis, Mo.: Mosby; 2004:307.
- Degenhardt A. Optic neuritis. In: Ferri FF. Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2009. St. Louis, Mo.: Mosby; 2008:646.
- Osborne B. Optic neuritis: Pathophysiology, clinical features, and diagnosis. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Jan. 6, 2009.
- Osborne B. Optic neuritis: Prognosis and treatment. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Jan. 6, 2009.
- Multiple sclerosis risk after optic neuritis: Final Optic Neuritis Treatment Trial follow-up. Archives of Neurology. 2008;65:727.
- Optic neuritis. The Merck Manuals Online Medical Library: Home Edition for Patients and Caregivers. http://www.merck.com/mmhe/sec20/ch235/ch235c.html. Accessed Jan. 9, 2009.
- Weinshenker BG, et al. Neuromyelitis optica IgG predicts relapse following longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis. Annals of Neurology. 2006;59:566.
- Polymyalgia rheumatica and giant cell arteritis. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Polymyalgia/default.asp#poly6. Accessed Jan. 8, 2009.
- Olek MJ. Epidemiology, risk factors, and clinical features of multiple sclerosis in adults. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Jan. 6, 2009.
